Folk-rock band determined to stay ‘true to its roots’

Oh Geronimo

Staying true to its roots, new folk-rock band Oh Geronimo is focusing on deeper meaning with its harmonic music.

The band formed last summer and now consists of singer/guitarist Ciaran Downes, singer/banjo player Kyle Robertson, singer/bass guitarist Justin Lund, guitarist Andrew Donofrio and Drew Mattiacci on drums.

The Burlington-born and bred band members currently live in London, Ont. attending school; however the band will likely move back home after graduation this year, said Downes.

“Our music lyrically is about becoming self-sufficient,” he added. “We all just got into our 20s, when you take on your own responsibilities. It’s about learning to never forget your roots.”

Oh Geronimo released its debut EP, Mind Your Mannerisms, last December, and is working on a new album. The band describes itself as a harmony-heavy folk collective.

“We’re different because our lyrics are not romance-focused,” explained Downes. “It’s self-reflective and about staying true to your roots. One of our songs I’m the Ground showcases our musicianship well and is about taking care of agriculture. It’s a metaphor for how you’re growing as a person, taking care of what you planted. It goes back to the idea of remembering your roots.”

With the majority of their friends still away at school, the band plans to perform in Burlington this summer, in tandem with the release of its new record.

“We’re finishing the writing process for it now,” said Downes, adding the new release is entitled Hibernation. “It’s a concept CD with a story behind it. We’re very excited for it.”

Living together in London, the group writes its music in collaboration, although Downes and Robertson write the majority of the lyrics.

“We had to learn to write together as song writers; either one of us will conceptualize the main idea then the other helps finalize it,” said Downes. “As a whole band, we create a unified sound but all of us are lyric-focused song writers; a lot of our music is about the words, which is great because lyrics mean a lot to us.”

Moving from acoustic to electric, the band brings in bass, banjo and percussion to support the vocal harmonies provided by Downes, Robertson and Lund.

Downes, Donofrio and Lund are in their final year of Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College. Downes said they’ll likely return home to produce not only the band’s own material but that of local bands as well. For more information, visit www.ohgeronimo.com.